1 month ago
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PHARMACOLOGY IS fascinating because it bridges the gap between science and patient care. It is a dynamic field that constantly evolves with new drug discoveries, treatments, and advancements in medicine. Understanding how drugs interact with the human body, their mechanisms of action, and their therapeutic effects makes pharmacology both intellectually stimulating and highly practical.
It is essential for healthcare professionals as it directly impacts patient safety and treatment outcomes.
While in nursing school, Dr Juwell Harley struggled to understand the basic concepts of pharmacology and had difficulty applying them due to the way they were taught.
From that experience, she decided that once she became seasoned in the nursing profession, she would, one day, teach pharmacology.
“I have always embraced challenges and faced my fears head-on, and this was no exception. In 2019, I was employed at my alma mater, Brown’s Town Community College School of Nursing, and in my second semester, the gift of pharmacology was handed to me. My passion for pharmacology stems from its critical role in healthcare,” Dr Harley said.
“As a nurse and educator, I saw firsthand how vital medication knowledge is for patient safety and effective treatment. Teaching pharmacology allows me to empower students with the knowledge they need to make informed clinical decisions. It is incredibly rewarding to break down complex concepts and help learners apply them in real-world scenarios,” she added.
In 2020, Dr Harley started to write the book Phun Phacts Pharmacology: Simplfied in which the content, she said, is easy to grasp and is very straightforward for those studying for the Regional Examination for Nurse Registration in Jamaica and other nursing licensure examinations in the Caribbean and also the NCLEX.
“I wrote Phun Phacts Pharmacology because I wanted to make learning pharmacology more engaging and accessible. Many students find pharmacology overwhelming due to the sheer volume of drug names, classifications, and mechanisms. My goal was to simplify these concepts using humour, relatable examples, and easy-to-understand explanations. I wanted to create a resource that makes pharmacology less intimidating and more enjoyable,” Dr Harley said.
Dr Harley holds a bachelor of science degree in nursing, a master’s in education, and a doctor of philosophy in humanities.
She is also the co-founder of a philanthropic organisation known as Tech-Savvy Nurse, which merges technology with the nursing profession and provides essential resources for research. In addition, they secure grants and scholarships for student nurses and supply crucial equipment such as BP machines, thermometers, SAT machines, and laptops or tablets for those in need, making their journey through nursing school more manageable.
In addition to being a registered nurse and nurse educator, she is also a certified mental health coach and advocate, certified global breast health educator, certified sexual assault nurse/forensic examiner, certified HIV educator, certified diabetic educator, kidney health coach, certified older adult peer specialist, etc.
The objective of the book is to simplify pharmacology by making it easily understood by students studying nursing, medicine, and pharmacy. I have a profound love for pharmacology as it was the first course that I taught independently, and the results were marvellous.
Phun Phacts Pharmacology covers essential drug classes such as anti-hypertensives, anti-diabetics, antibiotics, respiratory medications, natural and alternative remedies, just to name a few. In addition, it has the formulas, mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, and potential side effects, lab values, different categories of medications all presented in an engaging and memorable way.
The book includes mnemonics, fun facts, and real-world applications to help students retain information more effectively. It is designed not just as a textbook but as a learning companion that encourages critical thinking and clinical application.
“It is incredibly important to pass on knowledge to the next generation, especially in healthcare. Medication errors can have serious consequences, and a strong foundation in pharmacology helps prevent them. By making learning enjoyable and accessible, I hope to inspire students to develop confidence in their pharmacology knowledge, ultimately improving patient care and safety,” Dr Harley said.
The response, she said, has been overwhelmingly positive. “Students appreciate the engaging, easy-to-read format that helps them retain information without feeling overwhelmed. Many have shared that the book has made studying pharmacology less stressful and more enjoyable,” she said.
Educators and colleagues in academia have also praised it as a valuable supplemental resource that enhances traditional learning materials. “It is rewarding to see the book making a real impact in classrooms and beyond. Also, the book is for everyone. Once an individual has interest in knowing about a medication ‘patients, relatives, medical and pharmacy students,’ Phun Phacts Pharmacology is for you.
English (US) ·